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Fundraiser on to Help Regenerative Farm Repair Tornado Damage
- Bob Benenson
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
GoFundMe Campaign to Aid Tulip Tree Farm in Beecher, Illinois
Local Food Forum loves to focus on the bright sides of our community's efforts to build a better-for-people-and-the-planet food system — the farmers markets, the growing consumer interest in locally produced food, the greater awareness better addressing the needs of those facing food insecurity, and more.
Yet while farming can be very rewarding, it is also very risky... even dangerous. Local Food Forum functions in part as a bulletin board for the Chicago region's food community, and in our five years of publishing, we have had several occasions to highlight online efforts to help farmers address catastrophic damage, often because of severe weather.
It is thus our duty to share that Rachael and Jesse Smedberg, our friends at Tulip Tree Gardens, need your help. Their regenerative farm in Beecher, Illinois, about 40 miles south of downtown Chicago, was hit by a tornado and suffered significant structural damage — specifically to a historic barn that the owners were in the process of upgrading (see the photo above) and to a silo that was thrown clear across a field and turned into crumpled debris.
Very fortunately, there was no loss of human or animal life, but Tulip Tree has some difficult and expensive cleanup ahead.
As you will see below in the letter the Smedbergs posted on Facebook, a relative started a GoFundMe campaign on their behalf. Click the button below to make a contribution.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This past weekend, our farm faced the devastating impact of a tornado. We stood in disbelief as the roof of our beloved historic barn was torn away, and our chicken silo was hurled across the field. It felt like watching all our hard work vanish into the wind, leaving us heartbroken, especially since we were in the midst of restoring the barn, which holds so much significance for our community.
Our vision for the historic barn extends beyond its restoration; we see it as a vital space for community gatherings that can strengthen our bonds and foster connection. It’s crucial that we make the necessary repairs this season to ensure the barn remains a welcoming hub for outreach and events.
We are incredibly grateful that all our animals and family members are safe. In light of our recent challenges, my sister-in-law has generously initiated a GoFundMe campaign to rally our community’s support in raising the funds needed for repairs.
We would deeply appreciate any assistance you can provide, whether through donations or simply by sharing this post and our story with others.
Additionally, we invite you to support us in other ways. Spread the word about our Gathering Market and the farm, and mark your calendars for our upcoming dinner series, “Save the Red Barn,” launching on June 20th. Tickets will be available soon, and we hope to see you there!
With love and gratitude,
Rachael and Jesse